Macron Visits Greenland Amid U.S. Tensions, Vows “No Exploitation” of Territory

French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Greenland on Sunday in a rare diplomatic visit aimed at reinforcing the island’s sovereignty and ensuring there will be “no exploitation” of its land or resources. The trip, made at the invitation of Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen, marks the first visit by a foreign leader since former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to take control of the territory.

Macron’s remarks ahead of his trip left no ambiguity about his stance. “We’re here, and we’re ready to step in so there’s no exploitation happening,” he declared—firmly responding to Trump’s earlier suggestions that the U.S. could claim Greenland by force due to its strategic location and rich natural resources.

During his visit, Macron will deliver a symbolic message of European backing for Greenland's autonomy, addressing concerns over growing foreign interest in the Arctic. He is also expected to discuss Arctic security, EU cooperation in polar development, and the accelerating threat of climate change.

Macron to Tour Glaciers, Discuss Climate and Defense

Macron’s itinerary includes a flight over one of Greenland’s melting glaciers with both the Greenlandic and Danish leaders. His team emphasized the urgency of climate action, pointing to data from the UN’s World Meteorological Organization showing that glaciers are retreating faster than ever, especially over the last five years.

He will also visit a European Union–funded hydroelectric power station and board a Danish helicopter carrier to hold defense-focused discussions. France seeks to increase research and presence in the region, following in the legacy of famed explorer Paul-Emile Victor, who began his Arctic expeditions in the 1930s.

Denmark’s Arctic Push and U.S. Provocations

Copenhagen announced earlier this year a $2 billion defense upgrade for the Arctic, boosting its military capabilities amid rising global interest in the region. Macron’s trip follows a controversial visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance in March, which officials in both Nuuk and Copenhagen viewed as a provocative move.

Macron also used the UN oceans summit earlier this week to indirectly challenge the U.S. stance, declaring that “the deep sea, Greenland, and Antarctica are not for sale.” The statement came amid renewed American rhetoric, with Trump claiming that the U.S. needs Greenland for strategic defense and natural resources.

Polls Show Greenlanders Favor Independence—But Not U.S. Control

Surveys continue to show that most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents support eventual independence from Denmark. However, there is strong resistance to any idea of joining the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have repeatedly emphasized that only Greenland’s people can determine its future.

Macron’s arrival is seen as a clear sign of European support for Greenlandic self-determination, and an effort to shield the Arctic from global power grabs.

Following his stop in Greenland, Macron will travel to Canada for the G7 summit, where Arctic policy, climate action, and regional stability are expected to be key agenda items.